by Thu Nguyen

Created on: August 16, 2010   Last Updated: August 17, 2010

Every year as the summer ends and turns into fall, Labor Day is the dividing holiday which takes our kids into the new school year. The weekend before they go back to school is one which comes with a lot of memories and definitely one with a lot of things made as well. Thus, children highly consider craft as one of the best ways to express themselves. Already at their age, they won’t hesitate to pour their heart into participating in something that will allow them bragging rights. Besides, as long as they’re happy, we’re happy too. With that, here are some Labor Day craft ideas you can make way for on the next backyard BBQ.

Hand Painting

Hands and fingers are the universal instrument of all activities. Anything which allows the kids to feel, touch and even become aware of their ability to design and connect colors is good practice. Make sure you have the hose nearby as cleaning might be something of a chore afterward. However, if you find looking at them coo and marvel at their own creation a sight worth tidying up, it might be in theirs as well as yours to both be happy.

Once they’re done, consider displaying the prints as galleries and let the adults guess which hands are who’s. Watch as the children laugh and correct you as they say, ‘No! That’s not me.’ Then place an award for the child who is the most creative by asking questions on how the hand paint came about.

Face Painting 

If one of the kids starts to make a mess and suddenly have paint on their face, make it a fun little activity by allowing them to color their face as well. Come up with a game of guess who and see if they can find out who’s behind the paint. Consequently, masks can be made and exchanged so that the children can see through the eyes of the other child.

This activity continues on with hand painting but the inclusion of the mask also enables the young ones to share each other's work. In turn, they can each keep the craft or not. Let them figure it out as it can get possessive when something is made well and everybody wants it too. Until then, allowing them to make one for their own clears the space for any loud crying.

Piñata

The most exciting part which the children will look forward to is slapping the piñata and getting rewarded with candy, money or even toys. While piñatas are known at birthday parties, throughout the years they have migrated towards other social celebrations as a party favor. So find one at your local party shop and let the kids give it their best shot. The men might want to keep a distance on this one as there is no telling how far the stick which the young one swings will land. Overall, these creative Labor Day craft ideas will keep the children at your next BBQ busy until it is time for them to go home.

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